St Petersburg Holiday Planner. Tailor-made Holidays to St Petersburg in Russia

Day 1: St Petersburg

Welcome to the city of the Tsars! We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check in. Spend the remainder of today at your leisure.

This morning we visit Peter and Paul Fortress, home to the SS Peter and Paul Cathedral, housing the tombs of the Romanov monarchs. We also visit St Isaacs Cathedral and Yusupov Palace where we take a guided tour of the palace on the banksof the Moika River. This beautiful 18th century palace was once the residence of the Yusupov's, the richest family in Russia and the site of the most legendary and mysterious episodes in Russian history occurred - the murder of Rasputin in 1916. Follow the story of this self proclaimed holy man with alleged super natural powers, who ruined the reputation of the Romanov family. Overnight - Ibis St Petersburg Moskovsky Vokzal

Day 3: St Petersburg

Visit the amazing royal residences of the Russian Tsars, located on the outskirts of St Petersburg and enjoy views of the russian countryside en route. Take a guided tour around the beautiful summer gardens at Peterhof and Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo. Both palaces were destroyed during the war and have been recently restored to their former glory. The sumptuous Catherine Palace, has a stunning baroque facade and is home to the lavish Amber Room, made from several tonnes of amber. Situated on the banks of the River Neva and partly housed in the breathtaking Winter Palace, is the world famous Hermitage collection - one of the world's largest art collections. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided tour, to see the highlights of this incredible collection. Overnight - Ibis St Petersburg Moskovsky Vokzal

Day 4: St Petersburg

A free day to enjoy the city your way today. St Petersburg is a real favourite of visitors and great for walking around, with most of the inner city sights on or just off the main thoroughfare – Nevsky Prospekt. St Pete’s boasts more than 90 museums, many housed in imperial palaces, flamboyant galleries, churches and a host of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Overnight - Ibis St Petersburg Moskovsky Vokzal

Day 5: St Petersburg - Novgorod

Today we continue south towards the ancient and provincial town of Novgorod in a private car with English speaking guide. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel for check in. Explore at your leisure this afternoon. Overnight - Ibis St Petersburg Moskovsky Vokzal

Day 6: Novgorod - Moscow

A big day of sightseeing today in Novgorod taking in the Yuriev Monastery, the Kremlin and the Museum of Russian Icons. Enjoy dinner before being transferred to the train station for the train to Moscow (departs daily at 21:20). Upon your early morning arrival into Moscow you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Overnight - Sadko Hotel

Day 7: Moscow

In Red Square, feast your eyes upon the intensely coloured onion domed St Basils Cathedral – the subject of countless postcards and an enduring symbol of Russia. We also visit GUM Department Store and the New Maiden convent. Later, we visit the Tretyakov Gallery. Overnight - 4 berth overnight sleeper train

Day 8: Moscow

Not to be missed, and opposite the mighty square is the golden domed Kremlin, Russia’s political powerhouse, where many infamous tyrants and dictators have conducted their business including Ivan the Terrible and Stalin. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour here today before we jump on the metro. A Stalinist gift to the people of Moscow, this is one Stalinist project Muscovites are proud of. Graffiti-free stations offer an air of elegance with granite and marble-clad surrounds. Many of the stations boast chandeliers, huge mosaic freezes depict the power of good Soviet workers banding together to help the state. Overnight - Standard accommodation

Day 9: Moscow

A free day to enjoy the city your way. Overnight - Standard accommodation

Day 10: Moscow

We bid you farewell today and transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Overnight - Standard accommodation

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last updated - 23 May 2012 10:08 PM

St Petersburg Holidays

Sample Itinerary - REF RUSSIA 193